I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free. We treat benzodiazepine addictions in an outpatient setting at our rehab center in Cincinnati, OH. This treatment delivery method enables you to maintain your everyday obligations without compromising your recovery. Understanding what to expect during benzo (benzodiazepine) withdrawal is beneficial for anyone preparing to reduce or discontinue use of this Schedule IV controlled medication. Benzo withdrawal is a complex experience that varies greatly from person to person. Anxiety and depression are commonly experienced during benzo withdrawal.

Withdrawal symptoms, ranging from a return of uncomfortable psychological symptoms to physical manifestations such as nausea and diarrhea, may occur when the drugs are removed from the bloodstream. People who are abusing https://ecosoberhouse.com/ benzos can detox and begin their recovery journey with access to the right treatment resources. In this post, we’ll discuss what to expect during the withdrawal process and how Waypoint Recovery Center can help.

Experience a Safe Recovery

Some people who use inhalants regularly develop dependence, while others do not. As for management of mild alcohol withdrawal, but patients in severe alcohol withdrawal also require diazepam sedation. This may involve very large amounts of diazepam, many times greater than would be prescribed for patients in moderate alcohol withdrawal. If the protocol in Table 11 does not adequately control alcohol withdrawal symptoms, provide additional diazepam (up to 120mg in 24 hours). The length of time between each dose reduction should be based on the presence and severity of withdrawal symptoms.

  • Withdrawal symptoms may vary from person to person, although there are some common symptoms.
  • Benzo withdrawal symptoms occur because this drug creates a high level of dependency in the user.
  • With a longer-acting benzodiazepine such as Valium, it may take a few days for symptoms to appear.
  • Symptomatic medications should be offered as required for aches, anxiety and other symptoms.
  • Although many symptoms subside after the acute withdrawal phase, lingering side effects are possible.
  • A multitude of complications can arise from the abrupt withdrawal of benzodiazepines, many of which require hospital admission.

The preferred treatment for cannabis dependence is psycho-social care. Patients who have been using large amounts of cannabis may experience psychiatric disturbances such as psychosis; if necessary, refer patients for psychiatric care. There is some evidence that lithium carbonate may be an effective medication for cannabis withdrawal management. However, until further research has established the efficacy of the medication for this purpose, it is not recommended for use in closed settings. The cannabis withdrawal syndrome is typically mild, but can be difficult for the patient to cope with.

Protracted withdrawal syndrome

Some short-acting benzodiazepines, like Xanax, are thought to be more potent than some of the longer-acting ones, such as Valium, as well. Each benzodiazepine medication has a specific half-life that influences the length of time it takes for the drug to leave the bloodstream. If an individual is dependent on a benzo, once the drug is purged from the body, withdrawal may benzodiazepine withdrawal begin. For shorter-acting benzos like Xanax, withdrawal may start within hours of stopping the drug. With a longer-acting benzodiazepine such as Valium, it may take a few days for symptoms to appear. Stopping benzodiazepines all at once can be dangerous, so your doctor will likely guide you through a tapering regimen that involves gradually reducing your dose over time.

Several types of benzodiazepines are sold under popular brand names like Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin. If you want to stop taking benzodiazepines after consistent long-term use, your doctor can help you gradually taper off your medication. Tapering can help take the edge off withdrawal symptoms like tremors and nausea, though it may not prevent withdrawal symptoms entirely. If you take benzodiazepines infrequently, such as once a week or once every few weeks to treat panic attacks, you can take them for a longer period of time. This is because inconsistent use doesn’t pose the same risk of dependence or withdrawal.

Dangers of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal and Detox

Through a professional
detox program, you can get that support and guidance. You can work with
professionals who understand what you’re going through. Through a
medication-assisted detox program, the detox process becomes much more
comfortable and safe. The symptoms of
withdrawal are certainly not pleasant and often lead individuals to relapse in
order to make the symptoms go away. Relapsing and using benzos regularly again will only lead back to
addiction. Since these drugs can be
so addictive, doctors generally prescribe them for short-term use.

  • Acute opioid withdrawal is followed by a protracted withdrawal phase that lasts for up to six months and is characterised by a general feeling of reduced well-being and strong cravings for opioids.
  • Benzo dependency happens when a person has to have the drug to function on a day-to-day basis.